Shipping Container Homes ~ 5 Things You Need to Know

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Shipping Container Homes – Have you been following the latest trend to hit the housing market and are considering making the leap yourself?

Container homes seem to be all the rage right now, especially for those with a keen interest in tiny homes, downsizing, and re-using existing materials.

Of course, just because it’s trending and getting a lot of attention, doesn’t mean it’s automatically the right option for you.

Before you jump into container home living, here are five things you’ll want to be aware of.

There Are Different Types of Shipping Container Homes

The first thing you’ll want to be aware of when considering a shipping container home is that not all containers are the same, which means they aren’t all equal.

The most common types are refrigerated, standard, and high cube.

There’s also the fact that you can find everything from brand new ones that haven’t yet been used, to those which have only had a few trips, all the way to very used containers that have a lot of wear and tear.

In terms of which one is right for you, it comes down to your design plan, your personal tastes, the space you have available, and your budget.

Give Careful Thought to the Design

Container homes are great, but is a container home right for you?

Often, the answer lies in the actual design.

Choosing a container home simply because it’s cool, eco-conscious, and popular doesn’t guarantee you’ll love it.

It can be quite useful to work with an experienced container home designer to ensure that you don’t overlook anything and that you make maximum use of the space.

Choose the Right Lot for Your Container Homes

As important as the shipping container itself is, and the design, the lot you plan on using will also play an important part.

You want to be sure it’s a lot that you will feel happy with, enjoy the surroundings, your neighbors or lack of neighbors, proximity to amenities, the amount of space, how you plan to landscape the exterior and work it in with the home, and so forth.

If the lot doesn’t match with your lifestyle, then the container home will never feel like that perfect home you envisaged.

Install Large Windows

The one thing that shipping containers lack is windows, and you simply cannot have a home without windows.

When creating them in the container, opt for large windows that allow for plenty of natural light.

This will help to make the container feel brighter and fresher, as well as make it feel larger.

You can even install sliding doors for that floor to ceiling view.

You will essentially be able to bring the outdoors in.

Ensure Shipping Container Homes are Allowed

Just as you would need to look into building permits and regulations if you were building a traditional home, the same rule applies to container homes.

You’ll want to ensure that you follow all the building regulations and rules in your town/city so that you don’t end up in trouble down the road.

If you break any of the local regulations, you may be fined or have to make costly changes. In a worst-case scenario, you may even be forced to take your DIY Shipping Container Home down.

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DIY Shipping Container Homes converted to cozy house

Shipping Container Homes Cost

While the container home trend certainly has good reasons to be popular and work as a solution for singles, couples, and families, there is also plenty worth researching and considering before you begin build your own Shipping Container Homes. Extend the Space of Your Rural Home

You want to be sure that your container home is not only unique looking but provides you with the layout and space you need for your lifestyle.

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